Thief Sentenced for Stealing £2 Million Faberge Egg and Watch in Soho Pub Incident
Enzo Conticello, a 29-year-old man, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for stealing a handbag containing a rare Faberge egg and watch set valued at over £2 million. The theft occurred on November 7, 2024, at the Dog and Duck pub in Bateman Street, Soho, where Conticello swiped the Givenchy handbag belonging to Rosie Dawson as she stood in the smoking area.
Details of the High-Value Theft
Inside the £1,600 handbag were several valuable items, including an emerald-encrusted Faberge egg and a matching Faberge watch, which belonged to Ms. Dawson's employers at the Craft Irish Whiskey Company. Additionally, the bag contained a £1,500 Apple laptop, Apple AirPods, a £350 store voucher, keys, three bank cards, £200 worth of makeup, a £150 Mulberry card holder, and £20 in cash. Southwark Crown Court heard that Conticello targeted the bag for easy money, later admitting he handed it over to purchase drugs.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Conticello, also known as Hakin Boudjenoune, pleaded guilty in February to three charges of fraud by false representation and one count of theft. He was linked to the crime after attempting to use Ms. Dawson's stolen bank cards at a nearby shop within minutes of the theft. Prosecutor Julian Winship stated that Conticello did not intend to steal the Faberge items specifically but was after quick cash. The court learned that insurers have paid out £106,700 to the drinks company for the loss, but the Faberge egg and watch remain missing.
Background and Impact
The Faberge set is part of a limited edition run, with only seven such sets in existence, each containing a jewelled egg, watch, cigars, and a humidor. Three sets have previously sold for between $2 to $3 million, and the company was seeking similar amounts for the remaining four. Conticello's barrister, Katie Porter-Windley, explained that he lost his job as a chef during the Covid pandemic and developed a cocaine addiction, leading to homelessness. She argued he was unaware of the items' high value and expressed genuine remorse.
Recovery Efforts and Financial Consequences
Detectives are still attempting to recover the Faberge egg, which is approximately 10cm high and green and gold in color, and the rose gold watch with a brown leather strap. Efforts to seek confiscation or compensation from Conticello have been abandoned, as he is considered a man of no means. The judge noted that while £3,000 in compensation to Ms. Dawson would typically be ordered, it was not imposed due to Conticello's inability to pay. He is expected to serve up to half his sentence before release on licence.
Broader Context and Related Incidents
This case highlights issues of theft and fraud in London, with Conticello arrested in Belfast in November 2025 for separate offences before being linked to the 2024 crime. The incident underscores the challenges in recovering high-value stolen goods and the personal struggles, such as addiction, that can drive criminal behavior. The Faberge set's rarity adds to the significance of this theft, reflecting broader trends in luxury item crimes in urban areas.
